Hermanus, South Africa, August 2023

Whalehaven Winery proudly announces that its Terroir Series Chardonnay and Pinot Noir have been awarded gold medals at the prestigious 2023 Merit Wine and Spirit Challenge. Notably, the Whalehaven Sandstone Strata Chardonnay 2020 emerged as a top performer in the white wine category.

The Terroir Series, a newly launched range by Whalehaven Winery, has garnered immediate acclaim with this significant recognition at the fifth Merit Wine and Spirit Challenge, held in mid-August 2023 at Nietvoorbij in Stellenbosch. The judges, seeking both quality and value, evaluated entries across all price ranges, with higher-priced entries exclusively eligible for quality awards.

This distinctive event stands out as the sole wine and spirit awards platform in South Africa that independently recognises both quality and value. The unique hybrid approach ensures that wines and spirits are assessed solely on their quality, while entries priced at R150 and below for wine and R300 and below for spirits that offer the best value are also recognised.

Beyond celebrating excellence, the Merit Wine and Spirit Challenge aims to amplify the voices of a younger generation of wine and spirits enthusiasts. By including a diverse panel of judges that reflects a range of age groups, the challenge knows that while quality is universally appreciated, taste preferences may vary across generations.

Whalehaven Winery is honoured by the recognition of its Terroir Series at this esteemed event, and the awards serve as a testament to the winery’s commitment to crafting exceptional wines that resonate with both quality and value. The Terroir Series Chardonnay and Pinot Noir invite consumers to experience the distinctive terroir and craftsmanship that define Whalehaven wines.

For more information or collateral: kaylee@bottegafamilywine.co.za | +27 21 8523590